Sparkling Triumph: La Cenerentola at the Stadttheater

Stadttheater Klagenfurt [ENA] The Stadttheater Klagenfurt's 2025 production of famous opera of Gioachino Rossini's La Cenerentola emerges as a luminous highlight in the operatic calendar. Under the astute direction of Bernd Mottl and the baton of Johannes Braun, this staging breathes fresh life into Rossini's beloved dramma giocoso, blending wit, warmth, and musical brilliance into an unforgettable evening.​

Mottl's interpretation deftly balances the opera's comedic elements with its underlying themes of virtue and redemption. By eschewing overtly fantastical elements in favor of a more grounded, human-centric approach, the production underscores the emotional depth of the characters while retaining the story's enchanting qualities. This choice allows the audience to connect more intimately with the narrative, highlighting the timeless relevance of Rossini's work.​

At the heart of the production is mezzo-soprano Dilara Bastar's portrayal of Angelina. Her performance captures the character's resilience and grace, delivering arias with both technical precision and heartfelt emotion. Opposite her, tenor Matteo Macchioni embodies Prince Ramiro with a blend of earnestness and vocal agility, his tenor voice resonating with sincerity.​ Bernhard Hansky's Dandini provides a delightful comedic counterpoint, his baritone rich and expressive, while Wilfried Zelinka's Don Magnifico exudes both bluster and vulnerability, avoiding caricature in favor of a more nuanced portrayal. Tahnee Niboro and Linsey Coppens, as Clorinda and Tisbe respectively, infuse their roles with vivacity and sharp comedic timing, enhancing

Friedrich Eggert's set and costume designs transport the audience into a world that is both whimsical and grounded. The visual elements complement the narrative's themes, with costumes reflecting character development and sets that fluidly transition between scenes, maintaining the production's brisk pace.​ Musically, the Kärntner Sinfonieorchester, under Braun's direction, delivers Rossini's intricate score with clarity and enthusiasm. The orchestra's nuanced performance supports the singers impeccably, ensuring that the musical and dramatic elements coalesce seamlessly. The chorus, prepared by Günter Wallner, adds depth and cohesion to the ensemble scenes, enhancing the overall impact of the performance.​

This staging of La Cenerentola stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Rossini's work and the creative vitality of Stadttheater Klagenfurt. By marrying traditional operatic elements with contemporary sensibilities, the production offers both longtime opera enthusiasts and newcomers an experience that is as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.​ In sum, Stadttheater Klagenfurt's La Cenerentola is a masterful blend of artistry and accessibility, reaffirming the opera's place in the modern repertoire and showcasing the company's commitment to excellence in performance.​